In a change that was announced last week, Governor Carney on Tuesday signed the 29th modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration eliminating social distancing requirements and removing Delaware's mask mandate which takes effect at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 21. Delawareans, visitors, and Delaware businesses should follow social distancing and masking guidance for fully vaccinated individuals issued last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals should continue to wear masks in public settings and around those who live outside of their household to reduce their risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19. Read the news release.

The Controlled Substance Registration (CSR) biennial renewal deadline is June 30, 2021. The Delaware Division of Professional Regulation has informed MSD that, as a condition of CSR renewal, completion of a mandatory two-part continuing education course provided by the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation is required, which satisfies the renewal requirement. CSR renewal must be completed through the DELPROS system.

The results of an AMA/Physicians Foundation-sponsored study led by Weill Cornell Medicine on physician experiences with Medicare's Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) were announced. Researchers conducted 30 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with physician leaders in small and medium internal medicine and general surgery practices and large multispecialty practices about their experiences participating in MIPS. Articles were published on the qualitative results of physicians' experiences with the program and quantitative insights into the cost of participating in MIPS and MIPS APMs.

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued new recommendations to start colorectal cancer screening for individuals at age 45, rather than age 50. The change was made due to the rise in the incidence of colorectal cancer in younger adults. The American Cancer Society in 2018 lowered its recommended age for routine colorectal cancer screening to age 45.

As vaccination rates continue to increase across the country, health care providers can serve as a trusted resource for patients in making health decisions. Your recommendation to get a COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most important factors in your patients' decision to accept vaccination. The National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) has provided information to help you with making recommendations, important points to communicate with patients, outreach tips, and vaccination provider tips. If you are not a vaccine provider, refer patients to vaccine finder tools including the DPH website de.gov/getmyvaccine and the CDC vaccines.gov website.

The first-ever Mental Health Action Day takes place Thursday, May 20th. On this day encourage and empower people to take the next step for #MentalHealthAction.

In recognition of May as Mental Health Month, the Delaware Child Psychiatry Access Program (DCPAP) has created a video series providing pediatric primary care professionals with free child psychiatry consultation and behavioral health training. MSD member Mark Borer, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and general psychiatrist, is a consultant for the DCPAP and participates in the videos. Sessions include: Video 1-An Introduction; Video 2-Connecting the Docs; Video 3-Promoting Health and Wellness; and Video 4-Engaging Our Partners.

In 2018, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) published a Delaware Health Needs Assessment and Delaware State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP). The plan outlines five key priority areas: chronic disease, maternal and child health, substance use disorder, mental health, and system-wide improvement. Now mid-way through the five-year action cycle of the 2018-2023 SHIP, participation is requested in the 2021 SHIP Stakeholder Survey.

The next MSD "Hot Topic CME" virtual event will be COVID-19 in the Pediatric Population with a Focus on Cardiac Manifestations taking place on Tuesday, June 22 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Presenters include Deepika Thacker, MD and Neil G. Rellosa, MD. This virtual event has been approved for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(TM). To register.

The Bayhealth Foundation has partnered with the Bayhealth Hospital Residency Program Directors to host community events to share information about the Residency Programs and promoting Graduate Medical Education. Most recently General Surgery Program Director Bradford Mitchell, MD, FACS, ECNU; Family Medicine Program Director Brintha Vasagar, MD, MPH, FAAFP; and Internal Medicine Program Director Joseph Deutsch, MD presented information to those living in the Coastal Club community in Lewes. Starting in July, twenty-one new doctors will be joining the Internal Medicine Residency and Family Medicine Residency programs at Bayhealth. Read more.

The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation to Beebe Healthcare's Laboratory Services at the South Coastal Health Campus near Millville, based on results of a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAP's Accreditation Programs. Read more.

Governor Carney announced eight recipients of the Compassionate Champion Awards, the state's recognition program for organizations and individuals in Delaware providing exemplary trauma-informed care. ChristianaCare was named under the health care category.

TidalHealth Nanticoke's Diabetes Support Group will have a special session hosted by the American Heart Association Cooking With Heart Kitchen on May 27 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. This is a real-time, virtual cooking class. The class is free but requires registration.

MSD is pleased to highlight another of its 2021 Premier Educational Partners, WSFS Wealth Private Banking. At WSFS Wealth Private Banking, they understand the unique challenges that come with managing wealth. Their Private Banking Advisors serve as trusted partners to individuals and families and provide solid financial strategies for our clients.  With a client-centric focus, their lending solutions can provide you with a reliable source of funding for your business investments, real estate purchases, and other unforeseen expenses. They work with their entire team of Private Wealth advisors to ensure that your overall investment strategy is aligned with your comprehensive financial plan. From loan to deposit solutions, to liquidity events and succession planning, they are with you every step of the way. https://www.wsfsbank.com/wealth/private-banking

MSD members are afforded a seven-day review period from the date of this publication to comment regarding an applicant applying for membership. Please contact Michelle Seymour at (302) 224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org with any questions or concerns.